Test Drive....

[Topman]

Okay, we took our coach out for a test drive today. First drive since bringing the coach home after we purchased it. Not really camping at this time of year but needed to fill up the diesel above ¼ tank so we can fully test the Aqua Hot and the diesel generator.

On the drive, everything worked well except the coach engine heat was not as warm as I had hoped. I doubt the temp gauge read much over 165*. Outside temp around 46* F.

I did learn that the coach needs Air/Vacuum for the dash controller to select which vents will operate.
I also learned that turning on the “furnace” mode on the living room thermostat, (even with the Aqua Hot diesel burner NOT on), greatly improves the heat coming out of the front dash vents.
It does feel as though there is a bit too much fresh air entering the coach it the front area.

I think if I first warmed the coach up using the AquaHot and then when driving, the engine heat might be enough to keep it warm. Another test, another drive.
Iver.

[Barlow46]

Good idea on your part to take it out and get a feel for it before a big trip. How long a trip did you take and at what speeds did you get it up to? With temps in the 40's it will take a while to get it up to normal operating temp. If you can't get it up to temp then you may have to take a look at some things. Some dash gauges are not very accurate. Also good to run the aqua-hot to keep it operating in top condition. Congrats on your new coach and you will get some great help on this forum.

[Mike Canter]

Congratulations on the Signature purchase. You will love it.

First, if you are not going to go out in a while then you need to fill that diesel tank to the top to store it to prevent condensation in the tank. Condensation results in water pooling in the bottom and may cause an cause Black Slime to grow in side the fuel tank.

How far did you drive it when it only got up to 165*. Could be your gauge is off a little. You check it by using a ifred thermal gun on the thermosat housing and see what the real temps are. If it is really 165* there then maybe time to install a new thermostat in the motor.

If you are driving and you turn a thermosta to furnace then the Aqua Hot uses the engine radiator hot water system to heat the boiler and will give you heat throughout the MH. In the wintertime while driving I turn on all my thermostats to furnace and set then at 70* so the whole MH is evenly warm. The engine will also heat the hot water to the faucets. It stays hot for a longtime after you turn the motor off. We can usually still take our shower 2-3 hrs after driving without starting the diesel side of the boiler.

If it is cold out then I fire up the diesel furnace and warm up the MH interior and turn on the heat to the motor to warm that up before I start it.

You need to exercise all the systems in the MH on a regular basis. You will find the Signature's systems a little complicated until you get used to them all. Again congratulations

[Topman]

Thanks for the replies....

We drove the coach for about an hour. Maybe 20 mi. or so on the freeway, and the rest just on backroads. We live out in the country away from the city.

I was told that these Cummins engines don't really get all that warm?? I have an infrared gun which I will try the next time out.

If I start the diesel side of the A/H, to warm it up, should I turn it off when driving?

I have owned a couple of buses over the years but this coach as someone has said is "an adventure". Certainly a learning experience.
Thanks for your help, Iver.

[Mike Canter]

I turn off the diesel furnace switch but leave the thermostats on and in furnace mode so the engine coolant heat exchanger keeps the Aqua Hot hot and heats the whole inside of the MH. It is designed to do it that way.

If you forgot to turn off the diesel side of the A/H then once the engine came up to operating temps the diesel furnace should not call for heat because the boiler water is hot from the engine and should stay off.

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topman Okay, we took our coach out for a test drive today.

We're hoping to join the Monaco family in 2012, will be following your adventures closely. Best of luck, and congratulations!

[Dread58]

I would like to know, how would I know if I have the "aqua hot" described here? As it doesn't get really cold down here in the south, I've only had one occasion to try the heater for the house, and haven't read anything about it in the manual. I have a 40' 2001 HR Endeavor. Would I have this much desired system in my coach? I can see it's value.

[Barlow46]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dread58 I would like to know, how would I know if I have the "aqua hot" described here? As it doesn't get really cold down here in the south, I've only had one occasion to try the heater for the house, and haven't read anything about it in the manual. I have a 40' 2001 HR Endeavor. Would I have this much desired system in my coach? I can see it's value.

Here is the archived link to your 2001 HR Endeavor. http://www.holidayrambler.com/Static...01endeavor.pdf
Under the heating standard and options, it shows you have two Roof A/C unit with heat pumps and a gas furnace. It does not show Aqua-Hot as an option on this sheet but anything is possible. Look for a switch inside the coach possibly in the kitchen area. The Aqua-Hot switch will say aqua-hot diesel and aqua-hot electric if you have one. You can also look for a third exhaust pipe coming from under the coach, usually on the drivers side about halfway back near the dump station.

[Arch Hoagland]

I have a pair of fleece lined boots I wear in the mornings during the winter when driving the coach. I also have a small lap blanket I use.

If i crank up the heater my sweety gets too hot so to keep peace in the family I just button up.
You will eventually find out what works best for your rig.

[Topman]

Actually now that I have learned how to pre-heat the coach with the Aqua Hot, I don't think we'll have a problem keeping it warm with just the engine coolant loop.
Thanks, Iver.